The five-year prison sentence handed down to Olympic track star Oscar Pistorius for killing his girlfriend last Valentine’s Day has prompted some strong reactions from those concerned about the message it sends about domestic violence cases in South Africa and beyond.

“I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send a wrong message to the community,” Masipa said after summarizing parts of the case and explaining why she reached her decision. “On the other hand, a long sentence would not be appropriate either as it would lack the element of mercy.”

Meanwhile, the sentencing has angered some who say the trial has distracted from non-celebrity domestic violence.

An estimated 2,361 women in South Africa have been killed by their partners since Steenkamp’s death, according to a Mama Mia posting, which doesn't give a source for the figure. If accurate, that’s four women each day.

“We will likely never know these women’s names and we will never know their stories. Nor will we ever know whether the men who murdered these women were brought to justice or whether they evaded punishment. Such is the nature and extent of the problem,” wrote Nina Funnell. “And if we genuinely care about the life and ambitions of Reeva Steenkamp – who was herself an advocate against gender-based violence – we can’t continue to ignore this problem.”

Some have compared the trial saga to that of OJ Simpson, who was accused and acquitted of killing his wife, in the United States.

“It’s right,” said her mother, June Steenkamp, smiling gently, as she left the courtroom.

South Africa’s News24 reported the head of the National Prosecuting Authority said he would discuss a possible appeal with prosecutors, adding that senior prosecuting staff were “agitated” about the outcome of the case.